Yamaha CK88 88-key stage keyboard

Yamaha CK88 88-Key Stage Keyboard

The Yamaha CK88 is an 88-key stage keyboard combining piano, electric piano, organ and synthesiser sounds. All of this with special weighted keyboard action and performance controls. A keyboard made for live performance, studio work and school practice, it brings together a broad selection of sounds, built-in speakers and versatile connectivity in a single instrument.

Its Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) keyboard provides a weighted, graded response designed to recreate playing feel of a Yamaha grand piano. Alongside its piano sounds, the CK88 offers dedicated organ controls, synthesiser editing, 3-part layering and splitting, and a range of effects for shaping your sound.

Weighted GHS keyboard and piano sounds

The CK88 features an 88-key Graded Hammer Standard keyboard with matte black keytops. Its weighted and graded action provides heavier resistance in the lower register and lighter resistance towards the upper keys, giving it a playing feel suited to a grand piano and electric piano parts.

The selection of sounds includes samples of Yamaha CFX, S700 and CF3 grand pianos, alongside the U1 upright piano. A range of vintage electric piano sounds is also available, including Clavi, classic 1980s DX7-style FM electric pianos and 1990s dance-inspired sounds.

Dedicated organ controls

The CK88 includes a dedicated organ section based on the Yamaha reface YC. 5 organ types are available, with 9 drawbars providing direct control over the sound. Dedicated controls also give access to rotary speaker effects, percussion and vibrato/chorus, making it possible to shape organ sounds directly from the front panel.

Synthesiser sounds and sound shaping

The synthesiser section includes analogue-style pads, leads, basses, synth brass, strings, bells and other textures. Dedicated Filter and Envelope Generator (EG) controls provide hands-on adjustment of commonly used sound parameters without navigating complex menus.

Additional features include Mono mode for synthesiser leads and basses, alongside 3 Unison modes for creating fuller sounds. Dedicated category buttons also make it easier to find the instrument sounds you need.

3-part layering, splits and effects

The CK88 allows you to combine up to 3 sound parts, with the ability to split, layer, mix and process sounds directly from the front panel. This makes it possible to create combinations such as piano and bass splits or layered organ and strings, with individual part controls for adjusting the balance.

Its effects section includes Drive, 2 independent effects processors, delay, reverb and a 3-band master EQ. The A/D input also has 2 dedicated effects processors, allowing external audio sources to be incorporated into your setup.

Live Sets and MIDI Master

Live Sets allow you to save and recall complete instrument setups, including sound selections, splits, layers, effects and front-panel settings. The keyboard provides 160 Live Set locations, including 80 preset sounds, making it easier to prepare and recall different configurations for performances.

MIDI Master mode turns the CK88 into a 4-zone MIDI controller for use with external instruments, software and other MIDI equipment. Each zone can be configured with its own splits, octave adjustments and patch changes, allowing the keyboard to control multiple external sounds.

Built-in speakers and connectivity

The CK88 has 2 built-in speakers powered by 6W amplifiers, allowing you to play without connecting an external sound system. It can also operate using 8 AA alkaline or rechargeable Ni-MH batteries, providing an alternative to mains power.

Connectivity includes stereo line outputs, stereo A/D inputs, a headphone connection, MIDI In and Out, USB To Host and USB To Device. Bluetooth Audio Input allows you to stream audio wirelessly from a compatible device, while the built-in USB audio interface supports stereo audio recording and playback with a computer or compatible iOS device.